Kia K900

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Model Overview

The largest sedan sold by Kia, the K900 is the Korean brand’s first foray into full-size luxury sedan territory and it does so without losing its trademark value proposition. The car comes with a long list of standard features that are usually optional in more expensive rivals from Japan and Europe.

Riding on the same platform as the Hyundai Equus, the Kia K900 debuted in 2012 but didn’t arrive in North America until 2014 as a 2015 model. Powering it is a 420-hp 5.0-liter V-8 coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission that’s also used in the Genesis G80 and G90. A 311-hp3.8-liter V-6 engine was later added as the new base engine from the 2016 model year.

In a 2016 First Test, we said that the K900 offers a dizzying array of standard and optional features but it’s still less expensive than many of its rivals. However, when it comes to performance and fuel economy, the K900 falls behind its competitors, which offer quicker acceleration and better gas mileage. The car also has a lot of body roll and its steering is uncommunicative, meaning it always feels as large as it actually is when you’re on the road.

Why You’d Consider One

Even though you want a comfortable and full-size premium sedan, you also want it to be a great a value.

Why You’d Look Elsewhere

The Kia K900 doesn’t handle well and has a tendency wallow and get floaty when driving over rough surfaces. In terms of performance and fuel economy, the K900 is also behind rivals, which are more efficient and quicker.